Measurement and Manipulation of Cellular Forces Using Silicone Elastomers

Abstract

Manipulation and measurement of mechanical forces at the cellular and subcellular levels are essential for the mechanobiological research of cells. Since silicone elastomers have various advantages in their mechanical, optical, and biocompatible properties, they have been widely employed to fabricate devices for force measurement/manipulation of cells. In this chapter, we review silicone elastomer-based technologies that have been developed and utilized in cell mechanobiology, especially focusing on methods for force measurement and mechanical intervention at cell adhesion machineries.